The final score was 12.22(94) to 13.12(90).

The Edithvale juggernaut began its march on Sunday, June 28 when it knocked over Chelsea by 26 points. It had won just two of its previous nine games.

At the halfway mark of the season, the Eagles were equal second bottom on the table and appeared to have zero chance of making the finals.

However, they have been on a roll since round 10, losing just one game. This was against Bonbeach in the final home and away game, when they rested a number of players.

They came out the following week and smashed the highly fancied Sharks, then booted nine goals in the last quarter of the first semi-final to easily account for Mt Eliza.

On Saturday, against arguably the best defence in the business in the shape of YCW, there were no blow-outs. But once again, the Eagles were able to turn it on with a blistering spell of football that ultimately won them the game.

The underdogs had kicked just two goals up to half-time and at three-quarter time were 13 points down. However, the inspired Eagles booted six goals to four in the last quarter to get home by four points, with Brent Bowden kicking the match-winning goal.

Jeremy Heys had a quiet lead-in to this game, but was superb on Saturday for the winners, and Stephen Jones again won the ball out of the middle in the final term.

Brad Tagg and Lewis Roberts booted two goals each, and Mark Fitcher also kicked multiples.

Tim Mannix and Joel Dalton were on top all afternoon for Edithvale, and Steve Downie, despite his troublesome ankles, continued to rack up the touches as he worked hard in and under.

The Stonecats were far from disgraced. They had nine less scoring shots than the Eagles, but Steven Roberts and Andrew Kiely were outstanding, while teenager Luke Wallace also impressed. (94) to 13.12(90).